Responsible Gaming

Keep gambling in balance

Responsible gambling means making decisions that fit comfortably within your time, budget and personal circumstances. Before you play, consider how much money and time you can afford to spend without affecting your household expenses, relationships, work or other commitments. Treat any amount spent as the cost of entertainment, rather than as an investment or a way to earn income.

Gambling outcomes are determined by chance. Previous results do not influence future results, and there is no reliable strategy that can guarantee a win. A losing session does not mean that a win is due, while a winning session does not mean that future results will continue in the same way. Set a budget in advance and avoid changing it while you are playing.

Practical ways to stay in control

• Decide your spending and time limits before you begin.
• Only gamble with money that is available for entertainment after essential costs have been covered.
• Take regular breaks and avoid playing when you are tired, upset, stressed or affected by alcohol or other substances.
• Keep gambling separate from money needed for rent, bills, food, savings or debt repayments.
• Do not borrow money, sell belongings or use credit to continue gambling.
• Never chase losses by increasing your stakes or playing for longer.
• Keep other activities, interests and social connections in your routine.
• Review your gambling from time to time and be honest about its effect on your finances and wellbeing.

Set limits before you play

Limits can help you make decisions before emotions or excitement affect your judgement. Depending on the features available to you, you may be able to set spending, deposit, wagering or session limits, and you may be able to use reminders that show how long you have been playing. Check the available account controls and choose limits that reflect what you can genuinely afford.

A limit should be treated as a firm boundary, not as a target. If a limit is reached, stop playing and wait until the relevant period has ended. Do not try to work around a limit by opening another account, using another person’s payment method or asking someone else to gamble on your behalf. Account controls may take effect under the applicable rules, so review the information provided when you select a setting.

Consider a break or account closure

If gambling no longer feels enjoyable or you are finding it difficult to stop, take a break as soon as possible. A temporary break or self-exclusion can prevent access for a chosen period, where that option is available. Permanent account closure may also be appropriate. A break is most effective when combined with practical steps such as removing gambling applications, blocking promotional messages, limiting access to funds and telling someone you trust.

If you request a break, self-exclusion or account closure, do not create another account or use another person’s account during that period. If you have concerns about your ability to control gambling, seek independent support rather than relying only on personal willpower.

Recognise the signs of gambling harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually, and it may affect anyone. You do not need to gamble every day, or lose a large amount of money, for gambling to become a problem. The important question is whether gambling is causing concern, conflict or difficulty in your life.

Possible warning signs

• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended.
• Trying to win back money that has been lost.
• Increasing the amount or frequency of gambling to achieve the same excitement.
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to cut down or stop.
• Thinking about gambling throughout the day or allowing it to affect work, study or family time.
• Hiding gambling activity, losses or transactions from family and friends.
• Borrowing money, using credit or missing important payments because of gambling.
• Selling possessions or taking financial risks to continue playing.
• Feeling guilt, shame, stress or low mood after gambling.
• Using gambling to escape personal problems, loneliness or difficult feelings.
• Returning to gambling after deciding to stop.
• Experiencing arguments or damaged relationships connected with gambling.

One or more of these signs may be a reason to pause and seek support. Speaking with a trusted person early can make it easier to take practical action. You can also contact an independent gambling support service in Australia for confidential information, assessment and guidance. Support is available for people who gamble as well as for family members and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.

Protect yourself and others

Age and account security

Gambling is only for people who meet the applicable minimum legal age. Do not allow anyone under that age to access your account, watch you play with the intention of participating or use your payment method. Parents and carers should use device controls, keep login details private and take reasonable steps to prevent children from accessing gambling websites and applications.

Your account must be used only by you. Keep passwords, verification codes and payment information secure, and sign out on shared devices. If you believe another person has accessed your account, stop using it and follow the available account security process. Never share an account or ask another person to place bets or play on your behalf.

When to seek immediate support

If gambling is contributing to serious financial pressure, relationship conflict, unsafe behaviour or thoughts of self-harm, seek urgent help from an appropriate emergency or crisis service in Australia. Gambling support services can provide practical advice about financial counselling, self-exclusion and recovery planning. If you are concerned about another person, approach them calmly, focus on the impact of gambling and encourage them to seek independent assistance.

Our approach to responsible play

Pokie Mate Casino provides responsible gaming information to help players make informed choices. We may apply account checks, restrictions, exclusions and other safeguards in line with applicable requirements and our operating procedures. We may also respond to information that suggests a player may be experiencing gambling harm. These steps are intended to support safer participation and do not guarantee that gambling will be free from risk.

If you are unsure whether gambling is right for you, the safest choice is not to play. Review your budget, use the available account controls and seek independent advice before continuing. Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility, and asking for help is a positive step rather than a failure.